Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Quiz Answers

Question 1. COPD is a lung disease that:

A. usually starts during childhood and develops quickly
B. makes it hard to breathe and gets worse over time √
C. is passed from person to person

√ The correct answer is B. COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. This is because less air flows in and out of the airways. COPD develops slowly. Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when symptoms begin. The disease isn't passed from person to person—you can't catch it from someone else. Symptoms often worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities.

Question 2. In the United States, the term "COPD" describes two main conditions in the lungs:

A. emphysema and pulmonary hypertension
B. cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis
C. emphysema and chronic bronchitis √

√ The correct answer is C. In the United States, the term "COPD" includes two main conditions—emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways is constantly irritated and inflamed.

Most people who have COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Thus, the general term "COPD" is more accurate.

Question 3. The most common lung irritant that causes COPD is:

A. allergies
B. cigarette smoke √
C. air pollution

√ The correct answer is B. In the United States, the most common irritant that causes COPD is cigarette smoke. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke also can cause COPD, especially if the smoke is inhaled. Secondhand smoke—that is, smoke in the air from other people smoking—also can irritate the lungs and contribute to COPD.

Other lung irritants, such as air pollution and chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace, also can contribute to COPD.

Question 4. Common signs and symptoms of COPD include:

A. fever
B. an ongoing cough, or a cough that produces large amounts of mucus, and shortness of breath √
C. a racing heartbeat

√ The correct answer is B. People who have COPD often have an ongoing cough or a cough that produces large amounts of mucus. Other common signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, especially with physical activity; wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe); and chest tightness.

Question 5. If you have COPD, which steps can you take to prevent complications and slow the progress of the disease?

A. quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
B. avoid other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust
C. follow your treatment plan for COPD exactly as your doctor prescribes
D. all of the above √

√ The correct answer is D. If you have COPD, the most important step you can take is to quit smoking. This can help prevent complications and slow the progress of the disease. You also should avoid other lung irritants (such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust) and follow your treatment plan.